by Shawn Nowlin
For Kathy Garrison and her family, the role that her mother played in her life went far beyond that of a parent. She was also her biggest supporter, friend, safe space and much more.
Their journey together endured many chapters. Growing up as an adolescent, Kathy attentively listened to every word her mother spoke as she never wanted to disappoint her. During the teenage years, Kathy started to understand and embrace who she was as an individual. As an adult, she fully understood why certain decisions were made by her mother.
Alice “Sallie” Mae Garrison passed on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at age 82 from a sudden heart attack. As she took her last breaths, Kathy was right there by her side.
A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Hollins, Sallie was baptized there eight decades ago. Those who knew her best say Sallie was just as outspoken and passionate in the community as she was in her church. One such example is the vital role she played in people’s houses in Hollins receiving indoor plumbing many years ago.
“She was fine that entire day. Minutes earlier, she had asked if I could make her a meal,” Kathy said. “What usually happens is when a longtime church member passes, you contact the pastor and let them know that you need a burial spot. In this case, we were told she couldn’t be buried because she wasn’t a member.”
After multiple discussions with the Rev. Harvey Saunders, Kathy and her siblings, Gregory and Melanie, say they were told this was because she was taken off the roll, something they just learned of recently.
Church officials say Sallie not paying her tithes and other church dues factored into the decision. Even after money to purchase a burial spot was offered, the family claimed their request was still denied
“We firmly believe that it is an injustice and a gross act of discrimination that a religious institution has denied its member the right of burial. Her entire family that preceded her in death is buried in the cemetery,” Melanie said. “Only five months ago, her beloved sister was buried there. We have 22 canceled checks from the church dating back from 2016 to January of this year.”
In 2016, Sallie’s health began to decline. By 2021, it had gotten to a point where she couldn’t leave her house. Her last donated church check was on Jan. 3 for $400.
“It is crucial to highlight that our beloved mother’s absence from regular church attendance was not by choice, but due to her failing health. She longed to attend services regularly, but physical limitations prevented it,” Kathy added.
According to the family, she was vital in so many aspects of the church over the years. Why she cannot be buried in the church’s cemetery is a question that many want answers to, not just her immediate family. More than 13,000 people have already signed their signatures to an online petition.
“Brenda Hale [Roanoke NAACP] has gotten involved and helped us make some progress. We have also retained a lawyer. He is tirelessly fighting to get us an injunction for our mom to be buried in the church cemetery,” Kathy said. “There are also several avenues that we can also take to pursue the injustice that has been done to our family and our family name. The family has started a GoFundMe page under ‘Alice Garrison’ to help assist with legal fees.”
Sallie’s funeral services took place on September 9. Until the situation gets resolved, Sallie’s remains will stay at the Hamlar/Curtis Funeral Home.
“The pastor never visited my mom when she was sick. He never set foot in the house, the hospital, the nursing home, he never even called to check on her,” Kathy said. “The leadership of the church also hasn’t reached out to us. My mom did not quit her church, the church quit her.”
